Stucco is generally pretty durable and reliable—you shouldn’t have to do too much to keep it in good condition if it’s been properly installed. However, some simple maintenance steps every now and then do go a long way. Occasional cleaning or patching of cracks can help you keep your stucco in great shape for years to come, and you can typically take on these tasks by yourself.

Here’s some information about home stucco maintenance from our stucco company in Bluffton, SC.

Cleaning

Because stucco has a porous texture, it collects dirt and stains relatively easily. The good news is that you can fairly easily clean it out to keep it looking brand new.

When stucco is used indoors, typically all you’ll need is clean water and a microfiber cloth or cotton rag to get the dirt out. However, if you’re dealing with some very deeply set stains, you might have to use some trisodium phosphate (TSP), a cleaner that is commonly available at hardware stores and home centers. Just make sure you’ve got proper ventilation in the area, and that you’re wearing rubber gloves and protective eyewear, as exposure to the fumes and contact with TSP can cause irritation and dizziness.

When stucco is used outdoors as a siding material or wall finish, you can expect it to get a lot dirtier, which means you’ll need to clean it more often. You can use a garden hose or a power washer on its lowest setting. Your first step should be to saturate the stucco in a mist sort of formation, then get a concentrated spray and clean from top to bottom. Once you’ve finished this process, you can check to see if any debris remains in the area, and if so, use a stiff-bristle brush (without scrubbing too hard) to dislodge it. For particularly stubborn areas, you can once again use TSP with a pump sprayer or hose wand.

Repairs

While stucco is highly durable, it can crack over time, for a variety of reasons. Therefore, it’s a good idea to do a quick visual inspection every now and then to see if there are any cracks forming. If there are, you should address them as quickly as possible—even minor cracks can result in moisture getting underneath the stucco, weakening the material and potentially causing mold issues.

You can find stucco repair kits at hardware stores, or use a high-quality epoxy to patch up the crack. First, make sure you get rid of any loose or crumbling material around the crack. You can then apply the epoxy or other filler with a brush, making sure to apply it in motions that match the texture of the stucco as much as possible. If you’re mixing a patch, be sure to follow the instructions provided to the letter so you can make sure you achieve the necessary consistency.

For more information about caring for your stucco, contact Spring Construction or pay a visit to our stucco company in Bluffton, SC.